Making waves with furniture designer and maker John Lee

The first time I met furniture designer John Lee was some years ago when I was prowling around London’s 100% Design show, says Carol O’Callaghan.

I spotted a curvy sideboard with a finish like rippling sand afte rthe tide has gone out and it prompted an uncontrolled reflex.

I did the forbidden, reaching out to touch, gliding my hands across its textured surface. Of course, I was caught — by the maker himself — but he didn’t tell me off. It seems everyone was at it. Even before the exhibition opened, the piece, called Farraige, had been bought.